Packaged oral care implement and package

ABSTRACT

A packaged oral care implement and a package having an easy-open feature. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes a protuberance that acts as a fulcrum to force an edge of a tear-away portion to protrude from a surface of the package in response to a force being applied to a force-application area of the tear-away portion.

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/238,168, filed Feb. 10, 2014, which is a U.S. national stage under 35U.S.C. § 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/047794, filed Aug. 15,2011, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of packaging, andspecifically to packaged oral care implements having an easy-openfeature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the commercialization of toothbrushes, the current trend is topackage toothbrushes in blister packages. While the use of blisterpackages has proved to be cost-effective and effective at adequatelyprotecting the toothbrush contained therein, existing blister packagesare often difficult to open. While easy-open blister packages have beenintroduced into the art, existing easy-open blister packages are eithercomplex to manufacture and/or compromise the containment of the product.Still a further issue with existing easy-open blister packages is thatsharp protruding edges may be exposed that can prevent shipping, causeinadvertent opening, and/or injury to the end user. Thus, a need existsfor an improved easy-open blister package that eliminates one or more ofthe aforementioned deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a blister package having aneasy-open feature that utilizes a tear-away portion formed into a panelof the blister package. An edge of the tear-away portion can bemanipulated from a position in which it either does not protrude (orprotrudes slightly) from the panel to a position where the edgeprotrudes (or protrudes a greater distance) from the panel so as tofacilitate easy grasping. The manipulation of the edge of the tear-awayportion from is effectuate by application of a force to a specific areaof the tear-away portion that causes a protuberance to act as a fulcrumthat lifts the edge of the tear-away portion from the non-protrudingposition to the protruding position.

In one embodiment, the invention can be a packaged oral care implementcomprising: a blister package having a receiving cavity; an oral careimplement positioned within the receiving cavity; the blister packagecomprising a panel, the panel comprising a tear-away portion and a baseportion, the tear-away portion comprising an edge lying substantiallyflush with the base portion, a protuberance extending from an innersurface of the tear-away portion, and a force-application area, theprotuberance located between the edge and the force-application area;and the edge protruding outwardly from the base portion when a force isapplied to the force-application area as a result of the protuberanceacting as a fulcrum.

In another embodiment, the invention can be a package comprising: a bodyforming a receiving cavity; the body comprising a panel, the panelcomprising a base portion and one or more pre-weakened lines or cutsthat define a tear-away portion, the tear-away portion comprising anedge and a force-application area; and a protuberance located betweenthe edge and the force-application area of the tear-away portion;wherein the edge of the tear-away portion: (1) does not protrude fromthe base portion when force is not applied to the force-applicationarea; and (2) protrudes outwardly from the base portion when a force isapplied to the force-application area as a result of the protuberanceacting as a fulcrum.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a method of opening apackaged product comprising: providing an product disposed within areceiving cavity of a blister package, the blister package comprising apanel, the panel comprising a base portion and one or more pre-weakenedlines or cuts that define a tear-away portion, the tear-away portioncomprising an edge that does not protrude from the base portion, aprotuberance extending from an inner surface of the tear-away portion;applying a force to an outer surface of the tear-away portion to causethe edge to protrude outwardly from the base portion as a result of theprotuberance acting as a fulcrum; and grasping the protruding edge ofthe tear-away portion and at least partially separating the tear-awayportion from the base portion to provide access to the product.

In a further aspect, the invention can be a package comprising: a bodyforming a receiving cavity; the body comprising a panel, the panelcomprising a base portion and one or more pre-weakened lines or cutsthat define a tear-away portion, the tear-away portion comprising anedge and a force-application area; and a protuberance located betweenthe edge and the force-application area; wherein the edge of thetear-away portion: (1) protrudes outwardly from the base portion a firstdistance when force is not applied to the force-application area; and(2) protrudes outwardly from the base portion a second distance when aforce is applied to the force-application area as a result of theprotuberance acting as a fulcrum, the second distance being greater thanthe first distance.

In a yet further aspect, the invention can be a packaged oral careimplement comprising: a blister package comprising a receiving cavity; apanel, the panel comprising a tear-away portion and a base portion, thetear-away portion comprising an edge protruding outwardly a firstdistance from the base portion; a protuberance extending from an innersurface of the tear-away portion; and the edge protruding outwardly asecond distance front the base portion when a force is applied to anouter surface of the tear-away portion as a result of the protuberanceacting as a fulcrum, the second distance greater than the firstdistance. The packaged oral care implement further comprising an oralcare implement positioned within the receiving cavity.

In an even further aspect, the invention can be a method of opening apackaged product comprising: providing a product disposed within areceiving cavity of a blister package, the blister package comprising apanel, the panel comprising a base portion and one or more pre-weakenedlines or cuts that define a tear-away portion, the tear-away portioncomprising an edge that protrudes outwardly a first distance from thebase portion and a force-application area, a protuberance locatedbetween the edge and the force-application area; applying a force to theforce-application area of the tear-away portion to cause the edge toprotrude outwardly a second distance from the base portion as a resultof the protuberance acting as a fulcrum, the second distance greaterthan the first distance; and grasping the protruding edge of thetear-away portion and at least partially separating the tear-awayportion from the base portion to provide access to the product.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaged toothbrush according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaged toothbrush of FIG. 1 in anexploded state;

FIG. 3 is a plan rear view of the packaged toothbrush of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the packaged toothbrushof FIG. 1 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of area V of FIG. 4, wherein a user hasapplied a force to the force-application area and the edge of thetear-away portion is protruding from the panel;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the packaged toothbrush of FIG. 1wherein the package has been partially opened in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a transverse cross-section of a portion ofa packaged toothbrush according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the edge of the tear away portion protrudes a firstdistance from the base portion in a natural (i.e., unforced) state; and

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the portion of the packaged toothbrush ofFIG. 8, wherein the edge of the tear away portion protrudes a seconddistance from the base portion when a force is applied to a forceindication area, the second distance being greater than the firstdistance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 concurrently, a packaged toothbrush 1000 isillustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thepackaged toothbrush 1000 generally comprises a package 100, a toothbrush200, a backer card 300, a sleeve 400, and a panel 500. In someembodiments, the sleeve 400 may include product information, marketinginformation, instructions, and/or other relevant information. In theembodiment as shown, the panel 500 is a sticker panel that is attachedto a portion of the front cover of the package 100. The panel 500 mayinclude graphics, logos, and/or other visual designs. The toothbrush200, the backer card 300 and the sleeve 400 are disposed within thepackage 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the entirety of thetoothbrush 200, the entirety of the backer card 300, and the entirety ofthe sleeve 400 are disposed in the package 100 such that the toothbrush200, the backer card 300, and the sleeve 400 are sealed therein.However, in alternate embodiments, only a portion of the toothbrush 200,only a portion of the backer card 300 and/or only a portion of thesleeve 400 may be disposed within the package 100 while another portionof the toothbrush 200, the backer card 300, and/or the sleeve 400protrudes therefrom. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, the entiretyof the backer card 300 and the sleeve 400 may be outside of the package100. In some embodiments, the backer card 300 may form the entirety or aportion of the rear cover of the package 100. In certain embodiments ofthe invention, the backer card 300, the sleeve 400 and/or the panel 500may be omitted as desired.

The packaged toothbrush 1000 is exemplified in conjunction with thecommercialization of a toothbrush 200. The invention, however, is not solimited. In alternate embodiments, other oral care implements can beused in conjunction with the package 100, including tongue cleaners,tooth polishers, oral care material dispensers, and other oral careansate implements. Moreover, while the toothbrush 200 is exemplified asa powered toothbrush, the toothbrush 200 may be a manual toothbrush inother embodiments of the invention. Finally, in certain otherembodiments, the invention can be the package 100 independent of theproduct contained therein.

As noted above, in the exemplified embodiment, the toothbrush 200 is apowered toothbrush. In certain embodiments, the toothbrush 200 comprisesan oscillating tuft block 218 and a stationary tuft block 219. However,in certain other embodiments the oscillating tuft block 218 may movewith a vibratory motion rather than an oscillating motion. Furthermore,in still other embodiments, the toothbrush 200 may comprise one or moremovable tuft blocks and the stationary tuft block 219 may be omitted.

The toothbrush 200 generally comprises a head 210, a neck 220 and ahandle 230. The handle 230 provides the user with a mechanism by whichhe/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 200. The handle230 may be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and avariety of manufacturing methods that are well-known to those skilled inthe art. If desired, the handle 230 may include a suitable textured gripmade of soft elastomeric material. The handle 230 can be a single ormulti-part construction.

The handle 230 transitions into the neck 220 at a distal end. While theneck 220 is illustrated as having has a smaller transversecross-sectional area than the handle 230, the invention is not solimited. The neck 220 is the transition region between the handle 230and the head 210 and can conceptually be considered as a portion of thehandle 230. In this manner, the head 210 is connected to the distal endof the handle 230 (via the neck 220).

The head 210 generally comprises a front surface, a rear surface and aperipheral surface. The front surface and the rear surface of the headare opposite one another and can take on a wide variety of shapes andcontours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. Forexample, the front and rear surfaces can be planar, contoured orcombinations thereof. The rear surface comprises a soft tissue cleanser.The soft tissue cleanser is constructed of an elastomeric material, suchas a thermoplastic elastomer, and comprises a plurality of protuberancesfor engaging and/or massaging soft oral tissue. Details of the softtissue cleanser are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462, issued Dec. 5,2006 to the assignee of the present application, the entirety of whichis hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, while the head isnormally widened relative to the neck of the handle, it could in someconstructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of thehandle.

The front surface of the head comprises a collection of tooth engagingelements 215 extending therefrom for cleaning and/or polishing contactwith a user's teeth. While the collection of tooth engaging elements 215is preferably suited for brushing teeth, the collection of toothengaging elements 215 can also be used to polish teeth instead of or inaddition to cleaning teeth. As used herein, the term “tooth engagingelements” is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that canbe used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth through relative surfacecontact. Common examples of “tooth engaging elements” include, withoutlimitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylonbristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions,flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structurescontaining such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomericmaterials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for usesin an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well ascleaning benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardnessproperty in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One preferredelastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene blockcopolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBSmaterial from other manufacturers or other materials within and outsidethe noted hardness range can be used.

When the packaged toothbrush 1000 is assembled for retail display (asshown in FIG. 1), at least a portion of the toothbrush 200 is visiblefrom outside of the package 100 from both the front of the package 100and the rear of the package 100. As a result, surfaces of the portion ofthe toothbrush 200 that are substantially opposite one another (i.e.,180° apart) can be viewed by the consumer without removing thetoothbrush 200 from the package 100 or compromising the integrity of thepackage 200.

The package 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A. The package 100may take on a wide variety of embodiments and may be of a wide varietyof packaging types as is known in the art. In one embodiment, thepackage 100 is a blister package. The package 100 generally comprises abody 105, which in the exemplified embodiment is formed by athree-dimensionally contoured front cover 101 and a rear cover 102 thatare coupled together. The body 105 comprises a receiving cavity 115(FIG. 4) in which the toothbrush 200 is contained. While the body 105 isexemplified as being formed of two components, namely the front cover101 and the rear cover 102, the body 105 may be a single unitarycomponent or it may be formed of more than two components in alternateembodiments of the invention.

The three-dimensionally contoured front cover 110 and the rear cover102, in one embodiment, are thermoformed plastic films. Suitablethermoformed plastic films may be constructed of such material aspolyethyleneterephtalate (PETA, PETG, PETGAG), polyvinylchloride (PVC),polypropylene (PP) or styrol-butadiene-blockcopolymer (SBS), preferredPVC. Other suitable materials of construction for the thermoformedplastic film include, without limitation, renewable primary products,for example of cornstarch, sugar (polyhydroxybutyrat/-valerat),cellulose diacetat, cellulose nitrate, polyactid (PLA), andpolyhydroxybutyrat (PHB).

The front cover 101 is three-dimensionally contoured so that a receivingcavity 115 is formed between the front cover 101 and the rear cover 102when the front cover 101 and the rear cover 102 are coupled together. Inone embodiment, the front cover 101 is three-dimensionally contoured togenerally correspond to the general shape of the oral care implementthat is to be disposed therein, which in the exemplified embodiment isthe toothbrush 200. In alternate embodiments, a front cover may be usedthat is not three-dimensionally contoured if desired. For example, in analternate embodiment, the front cover may assume a generally rectangularbox shape. In the exemplified embodiment, the three-dimensionallycontoured front cover 101 comprises a perimeter portion 111 while therear cover 102 comprises a perimeter portion 112. The perimeter portion111 of the front cover 101 circumferentially surrounds athree-dimensionally contoured portion 131 of the front cover 110.Similarly, the perimeter portion 112 of the rear cover 102circumferentially surrounds a panel 103 of the rear cover 102. Theperimeter portion 111 of the front cover 101 provides a mating structurefor coupling to the perimeter portion 112 of the rear cover 120. Theperimeter portion 111 of the front cover 101 can be coupled to theperimeter portion 112 of the rear cover 120 via a thermal weld,adhesive, interference fit, tab, tape, combinations thereof, or anyother suitable technique as would be understood by those of skill in theart.

In the exemplified embodiment, the entirety of the front cover 101 andthe entirety of the rear cover 102 are substantially transparent,thereby allowing visibility therethrough. However, in alternateembodiments, only a portion of the front cover 101 and a portion of therear cover 102 may be substantially transparent. As used herein, theterm “transparent” includes materials that allow a user to see throughthe material, even if the material is colored or includes a small degreeof translucency.

The front cover 101 further comprises a hanger aperture 180 at a top endthereof. The rear cover 102 also has a corresponding hanger aperture 181at a top end thereof. The backer panel 300 also comprises such a hangeraperture 182 at a top end thereof. When the package 100 is assembled,the hanger apertures 180-182 are aligned so as to form a passagewaythrough the package 100 which may be used for hanging the packagedtoothbrush 1000 for display in a retail store.

The backer card 300, in the exemplified embodiment, is a flat panel. Incertain other embodiments, however, the backer card 300 may bethree-dimensionally contoured. The backer card 300 may comprise productinformation. In such embodiments, the backer card 300 comprises indiciathat provides information to a consumer about the toothbrush 200 (orother oral care product disposed within the package 100). The indicia onthe backer card 300 may include instructions, logos, advertisements,and/or other marketing information. All or a portion of the backer card300 can be opaque so that product information can be effectivelyconveyed to the consumer. The backer card 300 can be a single layer or amulti-layer laminate. The backer card 300 can be constructed of plastic,film, paperboard, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.While the backer card 300 is flexible in certain embodiments, in otherembodiments the backer card 300 may be rigid or semi-rigid.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, the easy-open feature of thepackage 100 will be discussed. The body 105 of the package 100 comprisesa panel 150. In the exemplified embodiment, the rear cover 102 comprisesthe panel 150. However, in alternate embodiments of the invention, thepanel 150 (and the associated features discussed below) can be locatedon the front cover 101 or at any other location on the body 105. Inembodiments of the body 105 where additional components/panels are usedto form the body 105, the panel 150 can be located on any of suchadditional components/panels as desired.

The panel 150, in the exemplified embodiment, is a substantially planarpanel comprising an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 123. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, the panel 150 may be contoured. The panel150 comprises a pair of pre-weakened lines 151A-B and a cut 152 thatcollectively define a base portion 153 and a tear-away portion 154 fromthe panel 150. As will be discussed in greater detail below, theexistence of the pre-weakened lines 151A-B and cut 152 allow thetear-away portion 154 to be separated from the base portion 153 upon theuser grasping a portion of the tear-away portion 154 and manuallypulling the tear-away portion 154 away from the base portion 153.

In the exemplified embodiment, the cut 152 is an uninterrupted slit thatpenetrates through the thickness of the panel 150 while the pre-weakenedlines 151A-B are linear arrangements of perforations. However, inalternate embodiments, the pre-weakened lines 151A-B can be formed in awide variety of manners, including without limitation, scoring,pre-creasing, combinations thereof, and/or otherwise comprising theintegrity of the panel 150 in a controlled manner through the use ofchemical energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, or combinationsthereof. Moreover, while the tear-away portion 154 is defined by acombination of pre-weakened lines 151A-B and a cut 152 in theexemplified embodiment, in other embodiments the tear-away portion 154may be formed solely by pre-weakened lines or cuts. Furthermore, it isto be understood that the pre-weakened lines 151A-B and/or cuts 152 thatdefine the tear-away portion 154 can take an a wide variety oforientations, arrangements and shapes, thereby allowing the tear-awayportion 154 to take on a wide variety of sizes, shapes and/ororientations.

The tear-away portion 154, as defined by the pre-weakened lines 151A-Band cut 152, comprises a distal edge 155 and a pair of side edges 156A-B(FIG. 6). The distal edge 155 is defined by the cut 152 while the sideedges 156A-B are respectively defined by the pre-weakened lines 151A-B.The pre-weakened line 151A extends longitudinally from a proximal end157A to a distal end 158A. Similarly, the pre-weakened line 151B extendslongitudinally from a proximal end 157B to a distal end 158B. In theexemplified embodiment, the pre-weakened lines 151A-B are orientedsubstantially parallel to one another. Thus, the side edges 156A-B ofthe tear-away portion 154 are also oriented substantially parallel toone another. Of course, the invention is not limited in all embodiments.

The cut 152 extends transversely between the pre-weakened lines 151A-B,thereby defining the distal edge 155 of the tear-away portion 154. Morespecifically, the cut 152 extends transversely between the distal ends157A-B of the pre-weakened lines 151A-B. In alternate embodiment, thecut 152 can be between the pre-weakened lines 151A-B at differentlocations and/or different orientations.

The cut 152, and thus the distal edge 155, is non-linear and shaped sothat a graspable tab 159 is formed into the tear-away portion 154. Inthe exemplified embodiment, the graspable tab 159 is a rounded portionof the tear-away portion 154 that protrudes from a distal end thereof.Of course, the graspable tab 159 can take on other shapes and sizes inother embodiments of the invention.

The tear-away portion 154 further comprises a protuberance 160 extendingfrom the inner surface 123 of the tear-away portion 154. Theprotuberance 160 extends from the inner surface 123 and into thereceiving cavity 115. In the exemplified embodiment, the protuberance160 has a convex inner surface 162 (FIG. 5). More specifically, theprotuberance 160 is a semi-spherical element in the exemplifiedembodiment. In other embodiments, the protuberance 160 can take on othershapes, both contoured and not contoured.

The protuberance 160 is located on the tear-away portion 154 so as to bepartially located on the graspable tab 159. However, in otherembodiments, the protuberance 160 can be located entirely on thegraspable tab 159 or entirely outside of the graspable tab 159 asdesired. In certain embodiments, the graspable tab 159 may be omittedentirely.

The tear-away portion 154 further comprises a force-application area 161located adjacent the protuberance 160. The force-application area 161 isthat zone/region of the tear-away portion 154 in which it is intendedthat a user apply a force F to the tear-away portion 154 during openingof the package 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the force-applicationarea 161 comprises a visual indicia 162 to indicate the location of theforce-application area 161 on the tear-away portion 154 to the user. Inthe exemplified embodiment, the visual indicia 162 is a raised featurethat protrudes from the outer surface 122 of the tear-away portion 150.In other embodiments, the visual indicia 162 can take the form of asticker, a contrasting color, a marker, or any other feature that isvisually identifiable to the user. In other embodiments, the visualindicia 162 may be omitted all together or provided on the backer panel300.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 concurrently, when force is not applied tothe force-application area 161 (as shown in FIG. 4), the distal edge 155of the tear-away portion 150 (and thus the graspable tab 159) does notprotrude from the base portion 153 (or from the rear surface 122 of thepanel 150). In the exemplified embodiment, when force is not applied tothe force-application area 161, the distal edge 155 of the tear-awayportion 150 (and thus the graspable tab 159) lies substantially flushwith the base portion 153. This is the natural state of the tear-awayportion 150 after manufacture and assembly of the packaged toothbrush1000, and also the state in which the packaged toothbrush 1000 is sold.Further, in some embodiments, the force-application area 161 may bedeformable, i.e., the shape of the force-application area 161 may changewhen subject to force. In other embodiments, the force-application area161 may not be deformable. In some other embodiments, theforce-application area 161 may be resiliently deformable, i.e., theshape of the force-application area 161 may change when subject to forceand may return to its original shape when force is not applied.

When force is not applied to the force-application area 161 (as shown inFIG. 4), a gap 163 exists between the inner surface 123 of the panel 150and the backer panel 300 in the location of the force-application area161. The protuberance 160 is located at an axial position between thedistal edge 155 of the tear-away portion 154 and the force-applicationarea 161. This allows the protuberance 160 to act as a fulcrum thatforces the distal edge 155 of the tear-away portion 154 (and thus thegraspable tab 159) to protrude from the base portion 153 (and the outersurface 122 of the panel 150) when a force F is applied to theforce-application area 161 (as shown in FIG. 5). The convex innersurface 162 of the protuberance 160 promotes the fulcrum effect. It isunderstood that the force F may be applied to other area, i.e., an outersurface, of the tear-away portion 154 in other embodiments.

The protuberance 160 is aligned with the handle portion 230 of thetoothbrush 200. When the force F is applied to the force-applicationarea 161 of the tear-away portion 154, the protuberance 160 is forcedinward into the receiving cavity 115 and against the backer panel 300,which is in turn in contact with (or immediately comes into contactwith) the handle portion 230 of the toothbrush 200. As a result, thehandle portion 230 of the toothbrush 200 acts as a foundation for thefulcrum/protuberance 160 when the force F is applied to theforce-application area 161, thereby forcing a pivoting motion about theprotuberance 160 that causes the distal edge (and thus the graspable tab159) to protrude from the base portion 153 (and the outer surface 122 ofthe panel 150), which is shown in FIG. 5. Concurrently therewith, thetear-away portion 154, in the location of the force-application area161, bends inward, thereby eliminating the gap 163. Of course, thebacker panel 300 can be omitted in certain embodiments, allowing theinner surface 122 of the tear-away portion 154 in the location of theforce-application area 161 to come into direct contact with the handleportion 230 of the toothbrush 200.

Once the force F is applied to the force-application area 161 (or otherarea) of the tear-away portion 154 and the distal edge 155 (includingthe graspable tab 159) protrude from the base portion 153, the user caneasily grasp the protruding portion of the tear away panel 154, which inthe exemplified embodiment is the graspable tab 159. In otherembodiments, the protruding portion may merely be a distal portion ofthe tear-away portion 154 adjacent the distal edge 155. Once the userhas grasped the graspable tab 159, he/she pulls outward, thereby causingthe tear-away portion 154 to be severed from the base portion 153 alongthe pre-weakened lines 151A-B. As the tear-away portion 154 is severedfrom the base portion 153 along the pre-weakened lines 151A-B, thetear-away portion 154 is pulled out of plane with respect to the baseportion 153, thereby exposing the side edges 156A-B of the tear-awayportion 154. As a result an access opening 170 is formed that allows thetoothbrush 200 to be removed from the package 100.

However, because the panel 150 is free of any pre-weakened lines and/orcuts between the proximal ends 157A-B, the tear-away portion 154 is notfree to be completely separated from the base portion 153. Rather, inthe exemplified embodiment, a living hinge 166 is formed in the panel150 between the proximal ends 157A-B of the pre-weakened areas 157A-B.As a result, the tear-away portion 154 is a hinged panel that pivotsabout the living hinge 166. Thus, the tear-away portion 154 remainsconnected to the base portion 153 via the living hinge at the proximalend of the tear-away portion 154. In alternate embodiments of theinvention, the tear-away portion 154 may be completely separable fromthe base portion 153.

Finally, while the protuberance 160 is exemplified as being part of andextending from the tear-away portion 154, the invention is not solimited. In alternate embodiments, the protuberance 160 can be locatedon the back panel 300 or even on the toothbrush 200 is itself. Incertain other embodiments, the protuberance 160 can be a separate insertor component (or a part thereof) that is strategically positioned withinthe receiving cavity 115.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8 concurrently, a second embodiment of apackaged toothbrush 1000C according to the present invention isillustrated. The second embodiment of the packaged toothbrush 1000C isidentical to the packaged toothbrush 1000 of FIGS. 1-6 (discussed above)with the exception that the panel 150C is constructed so that the distaledge 155C of the tear-away portion 154C protrudes outwardly from thebase portion 153C a first distance D1 when no force is being applied tothe force-application area 161C, rather than being substantially flushwith the base portion 161C, as is the case with the embodiment of FIGS.1-6. In other word, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 may be considered as anexample of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8 where the first distance D1 iszero. All other structural elements (and their function) of the secondembodiment of the packaged toothbrush 1000C (including the package andthe toothbrush) are identical to the first embodiment of the packagedtoothbrush 1000 discussed in FIGS. 1-6, and are hereby incorporated byreference. Corresponding elements are given identical numbers with theaddition of a “C” alphabetical suffix. Thus, it is to be understood thatabove-referenced description of the remaining structure FIGS. 1-6 isapplicable to the second embodiment of the packaged toothbrush 1000C.

As shown in FIG. 7, the distal edge 155C of the tear away portion 154Cof the panel 150C protrudes a first distance D1 from the base portion153C of the panel 150C even though no force is being applied to theforce-application area 161C. This allows the consumer to more easilyidentify and recognize the existence of the easy open function. A gap163C still exists between the inner surface 123C of the panel 150C andthe backer panel 300C in the location of the force-application area161C. The protuberance 160C is located at an axial position between thedistal edge 155C of the tear-away portion 154C and the force-applicationarea 161C. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, this allows theprotuberance 160C to act as a fulcrum that forces the distal edge 155Cof the tear-away portion 154C (and thus the graspable tab 159C) tofurther protrude from the base portion 153C (and the outer surface 122Cof the panel 150C) when a force F is applied to the force-applicationarea 161C (as shown in FIG. 8). The convex inner surface 162C of theprotuberance 160C promotes the fulcrum effect.

As shown in FIG. 8, the protuberance 160C is aligned with the handleportion 230C of the toothbrush 200C. When the force F is applied to theforce-application area 161C of the tear-away portion 154C, theprotuberance 160C is forced inward into the receiving cavity 115C andagainst the backer panel 300C, which is in turn in contact with (orimmediately comes into contact with) the handle portion 230C of thetoothbrush 200C. As a result, the handle portion 230C of the toothbrush200C acts as a foundation for the fulcrum/protuberance 160C when theforce F is applied to the force-application area 161C, thereby forcing apivoting motion about the protuberance 160C that causes the distal edge155C (and thus the graspable tab 159) to protrude a second distance D2from the base portion 153C (and the outer surface 122C of the panel150C). The second distance D2 is greater than the distance D1.Concurrently therewith, the tear-away portion 154C, in the location ofthe force-application area 161C, bends inward, thereby eliminating thegap 163C. Of course, the backer panel 300C can be omitted in certainembodiments, allowing the inner surface 122C of the tear-away portion154C in the location of the force-application area 161C to come intodirect contact with the handle portion 230C of the toothbrush 200C.

Once the force F is applied to the force-application area 161C of thetear-away portion 154C and the distal edge 155C (including the graspabletab 159C) protrude from the base portion 153C, the user can easily graspthe protruding portion of the tear away panel 154C, which in theexemplified embodiment is the graspable tab 159C. In other embodiments,the protruding portion may merely be a distal portion of the tear-awayportion 154C adjacent the distal edge 155C.

Finally, while the protuberance 160C is exemplified as being part of andextending from the tear-away portion 154C, the invention is not solimited. In alternate embodiments, the protuberance 160C can be locatedon the back panel 300C or even on the toothbrush 200C is itself. Incertain other embodiments, the protuberance 160C can be a separateinsert or component (or a part thereof) that is strategically positionedwithin the receiving cavity 115C.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that variousadditions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedin the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to thoseskilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and withother elements, materials, and components, without departing from thespirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications ofstructure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and componentsand otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which areparticularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirementswithout departing from the principles of the present invention. Thepresently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoingdescription or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaged oral care implement comprising; ablister package comprising: a receiving cavity; a panel, the panelcomprising a tear-away portion and a base portion, the tear-away portioncomprising an edge protruding outwardly a first distance from the baseportion; a protuberance extending from an inner surface of the tear-awayportion; and the edge protruding outwardly a second distance from thebase portion when a force is applied to an outer surface of thetear-away portion as a result of the protuberance acting as a fulcrum,the second distance greater than the first distance: and an oral careimplement positioned within the receiving cavity.
 2. The packaged oralcare implement according to claim 1 wherein: the blister package furthercomprising a force-application area; and the protuberance is locatedbetween the edge and the force-application area.
 3. The packaged oralcare implement according to claim 1, wherein when the force is appliedto an outer surface of the tear-away portion, the three is applied tothe force-application area.
 4. The packaged oral care implementaccording to claim 3 wherein a portion of the oral care implement liesdirectly beneath the protuberance and acts as a foundation for thefulcrum when the force is applied to the force-application area.
 5. Thepackaged oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the tear-awayportion comprises a graspable tab at the edge.
 6. The packaged oral careimplement according to claim 5 wherein the protuberance is located atleast partially on the graspable tab.
 7. The packaged oral careimplement according to claim 3, wherein the force-application areacomprises visual indicia for identifying the existence of theforce-application area.
 8. The packaged oral care implement according toclaim 7 wherein the visual indicia comprises a raised feature thatprotrudes from an outer surface of the tear-away portion.
 9. Thepackaged oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the panelcomprises a pair of spaced apart pre-weakened lines and a cut extendingbetween distal ends of the pre-weakened lines, the cut defining the edgeof the tear-away portion, and the pre-weakened lines and the cutcollectively defining the tear-away portion.
 10. The packaged oral careimplement according to claim 1, wherein the tear-away portion isconnected to the base portion via a living hinge at a proximal end ofthe tear-away portion.
 11. The packaged oral care implement according toclaim 1, wherein the blister package comprises a front cover and a rearcover coupled together to form the receiving cavity, and wherein thefront cover and the rear cover are thermoformed plastic films.
 12. Thepackaged oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein the frontcover comprises a three-dimensional contour.
 13. The packaged oral careimplement according to claim 12 wherein the three-dimensional contourgenerally corresponds in shape to the oral care implement.